Local

‘It was sudden’: Meck County courthouse clerk succumbs to COVID-19

CHARLOTTE — Pam Babb, a clerk at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, died at the age of 60 due to complications from COVID-19.

Babb -- a grandmother, mother and wife -- was a clerk at the county courthouse for more than 20 years and was set to retire soon.

Family members told Channel 9 that she complained of a headache two weeks ago and tested positive for COVID-19 four days later. Babb developed pneumonia and died about a week after that.

“It was sudden,” her son Carlos Babb said. “And her body just couldn’t take it, and she died in her bed, asleep.”

Babb’s death comes as the court system in Mecklenburg County struggles with a COVID-19 crisis that surfaced weeks ago when several clerks tested positive, which resulted in a mistrial.

The courthouse closed two weeks ago after more positive tests. There has been a very limited docket system in place after it reopened, with strict safety protocols.

Court administrators haven’t said if Babb’s death will bring more changes to the courthouse, but colleagues said that she will be missed.

Her son said he is not focused on how or where his mother got COVID-19. The family is remembering the special person they lost.

[WANT TO WATCH ON OUR STREAMING APPS? CLICK HERE]

“She had that motherly and grandmotherly wisdom that we all needed,” Carlos Babb said. “And you know, we’re just really hurting right now. Everybody just feels like there’s something that’s missing that’s never going to be able to replace her.”

(WATCH BELOW: Mecklenburg County Courthouse changes safety protocols after COVID-19 outbreak)